Issue 91 | 14 July 2020

Message from the CEO

At the time of writing, the escalating coronavirus situation in Victoria has demonstrated how quickly things can change. With significant quarantine requirements, lockdown rules and border changes now back in place, we are once again grappling with the effects of this pandemic on our country. Major changes for heavy vehicles include the need for operators to gain additional permits for cross-border movements, and for drivers to self-isolate in certain circumstances. We’re working closely with government to provide the most up-to-date information to industry, which you can find on our Coronavirus web page, Facebook and Twitter. As the landscape changes the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone in our industry remains our number one priority. Our Victorian staff are taking additional safety precautions including avoiding hotspot suburbs and utilising masks, gloves and hand sanitiser. Throughout this pandemic the heavy vehicle industry has demonstrated how critical they are to all of our lives, working around the clock to keep supermarket shelves stocked and moving health and hygiene supplies across the country. As the situation evolves, the NHVR is working hard to support a safe and productive industry for everyone, more important now than ever. Sal

Border changes and Crossroads Hotel alert

On July 12, the NHVR was advised of a major developing COVID threat for anyone who has visited Casula in New South Wales between the 3rd and 10th July and in particular the Crossroads Hotel. NSW Health is urging anyone who attended the Crossroads Hotel at Casula between Friday 3 July and Friday 10 July to: immediately self-isolate until 14 days after they were last there attend a clinic for testing even if they have no symptoms watch for symptoms and get retested should any respiratory symptoms occur even if you get a negative test stay in isolation for 14 days. For a comprehensive list of border pass requirements please visit: https://www.nhvr.gov.au/about-us/coronavirus-response.

Work diary availability in Victoria

With the return of Stage 3 restrictions in Melbourne, the NHVR recommends that drivers purchase work diaries in regional Victoria where possible. We have confirmed with VicRoads that regional centres are operating as usual to obtain work diaries. Metropolitan centres are offering counter services but not licensing at this stage. Please be aware that there may be delays in metropolitan centres as there are limitations on the number of people physically allowed in each centre at a time. Victoria is actively discouraging drivers from crossing into metropolitan areas, so customer service centres are likewise discouraging regional travellers from visiting metropolitan centres. Drivers are permitted to use supplementary work diaries for up to seven business days and can report this through the NHVR contact page.

Heavy vehicle access in an emergency – new fact sheet

The NHVR has a new fact sheet which outlines heavy vehicle access requirements in an emergency. In an emergency, the NHVR may issue an approval for heavy vehicle road access, as long as the exemption won’t create an unreasonable danger to life or property. An emergency could be something like a natural disaster, flood or fire and heavy vehicle access might be needed to protect life or property or to reconnect critical utilities. In order to obtain the required emergency exemption, please contact the NHVR by calling 1300 696 487. Find the fact sheet here

Two-up reminder

A reminder to all operators that when working under a two-up driving arrangement both drivers must be suitably qualified to perform the driving task being undertaken. This may include areas that are not related to work and rest such as having the correct licence and authorisations to drive the vehicle along its intended route, vehicle configuration, route/driving conditions and load. If you have any questions about two-up driving arrangements call 1300 696 487 or email info@nhvr.gov.au.

Rear marker plates transition extended

The NHVR has extended the timeframe for operators to transition to modern rear marker plates. NHVR Acting Director Peter Austin said the NHVR would allow industry to upgrade plates when they are next due for replacement, rather than prior to 31 December 2020. “As the original transitional deadline grows closer, we’re noticing that a large number of vehicles are still fitted with Class 2 plates. “The extension will allow operators more time to replace plates that are currently in good working order. “We appreciate the challenges facing industry at this time and this is another measure we have implemented to assist,” he said. The transition will allow older larger rear marker plates to be replaced with safer plates made from Class 400, Class 1A or UNECE Regulation 70 reflective materials. More information is available in Vehicle Standards Bulletin 12 – Rear Marking Plates and Vehicle Standard Guide 29— Rear Marking Plates and Do Not Overtake Turning Vehicle signs.

Supplementary Work Diary Exemption notification to become permanent website feature

The supplementary record notification feature added to the NHVR website as a response to the coronavirus pandemic will be retained as a permanent feature. Principal Safety Assurance Advisor Andreas Blahous said the NHVR initially implemented the work diary supplementary record exemption from April 1 – 30 June. “The exemption allowed drivers 30 days instead of the usual seven to use supplementary records if they were unable to purchase a new work diary due to travel restrictions,” Mr Blahous said. “We saw more than 100 drivers take advantage of the exemption using the website, introducing some flexibility at a very stressful time. “While the maximum allowable time for supplementary records has reverted to seven days, we will be retaining the feature on the website allowing drivers to quickly and easily report that they are using a supplementary work diary.” To report use of a supplementary work diary head to the NHVR contact page and fill in the short form.

Coronavirus Updates

Visit NHVR's dedicated page for the latest updates related to COVID-19.  https://www.nhvr.gov.au/about-us/coronavirus-response

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